Assistive or adaptive technology (AT) refers to any equipment, system, or product utilized by a person with a disability to perform specific tasks, enhance functionality, access information, and aid in learning, reading, and writing.
Specific assistive technologies can be grouped into 4 categories of application:
vision
communication
mobility
cognition
AT seeks to eliminate barriers by applying a range of technologies in key impact areas, focusing on effectiveness rather than specific products. Our Assistive Technology Specialists are here to support students in the successful use of AT.
Assistive Technology Assessments
The assistive technology (AT) assessment process must be initiated by the student by contacting at@athabascau.ca.
The assessment includes innovative ways for students to evaluate resources and technology that may facilitate the learning journey at Athabasca University. Initial meetings include:
discussion on the barriers experienced in academic activities
introduction to new technologies
an opportunity for hands-on self-evaluation
remote demonstration or screen share
other innovative means
Our assistive technology experts are here to help you, and we may have resources or suggestions to meet your needs. We offer needs assessment reports, training, technical support, and expert advice.
When possible, we may request that students access a computer to download trial software or visit a vendor, website, community agency, or assistive technology lab to explore different products.
Accessibility Services can provide a report outlining required assistive technology and how it will reduce the impact of the disability in academic activities. Following the assessment and recommendations, Accessibility Services staff will help secure funding for the recommended equipment, software, and training.
AT funding
The price of such technologies may seem unaffordable. However, you may be eligible to apply for various funding opportunities for assistive technologies, technical support, training, and accessibility services. Our Available funding page can provide you with more information about options. Please contact our AT Team in Accessibility Services (at@athabascau.ca) if you require further information.
Training
Learning how to use assistive technology and apply it to the performance of several academic tasks is a critical component of how beneficial the technology may ultimately be. Many factors will have an impact on the amount of training needed and how the training is delivered, including:
previous experience
training needs using technology
amount of funding available
type of technology
Accessibility Services will work with you to determine the training requirements and help identify a trainer to deliver the service at a distance or access community resources. Accessibility Services offers training via the following methods:
remote access to your computer
web seminar
training modules (may include videos, PDF, or other resources)
For more information or to request training on assistive technology, contact the AT team in Accessibility Services
Types of assistive technology
The following list is not exhaustive; the assistive technology (AT) industry offers many solutions aimed at addressing functional barriers to information access for people with disabilities. The AT Team in Accessibility Services is available to help you find the technology that best meets your needs.
There are also some do-it-yourself resources available for discovering various technologies. Please note that these resources may not be up-to-date: The Adaptech Research Network, Tech Matrix
Here are some ergonomic tips for the home office with a free ergonomic assessment. We think we know the 90-degree rule for our joints, but it’s always good to double check.
Note-taking can be auditory or visual, or a combination of both. For example, Windows PCs and Macs have Sticky Note capability built in. Other portable devices allow you to synchronize an audio recording with the things you simultaneously write with a Smartpen.
Windows 11 Sticky Notes
Open Sticky Notes by tapping the search box in the task bar at the bottom of your screen, type Sticky Notes, and then tap it when it appears. Use a keyboard or stylus for handwriting on your sticky note.
macOS Stickies
Open the Stickies app in your Applications folder. If a blank note doesn’t appear, open the File menu, and select New Note (or press Command-N). Then, type or write on your note.
Smartpens
Smartpens are input devices that capture your handwriting or images and can convert into digital text or images using special paper. Depending on the model, it often includes a camera, recording device that syncs to your notes, and handwriting transcription.
RocketBook – not a smartpen, but reusable paper using a Pilot Frixion pen and notes can be manually scanned into the app or your preferred cloud.
e-ink tablets
e-ink tablets provide a focused space to view materials in PDF or EPUB and with a stylus, highlight and take notes that can be saved to the cloud, and some may provide handwriting transcription.
A web annotating and highlighting solution for various platforms. You can use the online cloud storage, take screenshots, or download to your device to view later.
Organizing
Software helps you reorganize material so that you can most easily remember and use it. Often free form software will enable you to drag and drop items, insert multimedia, and click anywhere to start typing.
Evernote- Collect and find things for all platforms (PC, MAC, Mobile). It’s web storage of captured information for keeping you organized. It needs an internet connection to store your captures like business cards, photos, videos, voice memos and then organize and search them. (Dotto Tech video: “5 Favorite Features”.)
This software creates a graphical map of ideas. Then convert the brainstorm into a text outline so that writing and ideas can be easily generated, and a draft outline created. People like this feature because it’s easy to express ideas and connect them visually. 90% of what we remember is what we see visually.
With screen readers, you can read text on the screen in most popular applications, including productivity software (MS Office), web browsers, operating system interfaces, programming, and various languages. Screen readers provide access to electronic information for people with vision loss or difficulty reading.
Screen readers read everything on the screen in a synthetic voice. They read text in popular applications, menus, and error messages. They assist users in navigating pages by using headings, tables, lists, buttons, and form controls. Users can read by line, character, word, or paragraph, and hear what they type. Many people find it helpful to learn keyboard shortcuts to control this software rather than use the mouse.
Screen Readers:
NVDA is a free screen reader that supports refreshable braille displays too. Check its FAQ about which applications are supported. It has many reading features like high-end screen readers that you pay hundreds of dollars for.
Narrator is built into Microsoft Windows and provides screen reading for popular programs and most of the Microsoft Windows.
Voiceover is built into OS/X 10.6 and higher. Most text on the screen is read aloud, and keyboard navigation keys control VO instead of a mouse. VO changes how your trackpad or touch screen gestures function, so learn commands with Voiceover to avoid frustration.
Talkback on Android devices is activated in Settings > Accessibility
Text to Speech:
Text-to-speech software typically needs a mouse user to select text to be read aloud.
Immersive Reader
Microsoft Word includes Immersive Reader that allows users to have text read aloud and customize the appearance while you read or edit your document.
Read&Write for AU students and staff
read&write is a floating toolbar that operates on different platforms to provide tools for reading, studying, and writing:
scan
e-highlight documents (MS-Word, PDF, web)
export highlights to MS-Word document
text to speech reading aloud
make audio files
decoding tools
Writing support
Read the web extensions for browsers
Details about features can be found on the Everway website (formally texthelp). If you require further information or want to activate an AU license, contact the AT Team in Accessibility Services.
Other reading and annotating technology
Many text to speech products these have the following features to assist in reading:
Dual modality highlighting by word, sentence, or paragraph
Read aloud in a synthetic but human-sounding voice
Using the mouse, select text and have it read aloud
Coloured Highlighting and extraction of highlights to a word processor document
Mind mapping
Annotation of e-text – audio, column, bubble, or sticky notes
Convert text to an audio file for listening on the go
Scan in your paper documents and convert them to e-text for reading
Speechify offers a free and paid version for basic text to speech using human modelled voices with the paid version.
Natural Reader offers a free and paid version for text to speech app with AI voices that allows you to upload materials to their cloud storage. Highlighting and highlight extraction as well as built in AI to support comprehension and learning are features available in the paid version.
Kurzweil 3000 for Windows or Mac provides the most features you will find in one software product for reading, writing, organizing ideas, and annotating documents. A trial version is available from their website.
Reading pens – a variety of handheld reading pens that can scan line by line and read text aloud to you, provide definitions, translate to a different language such as the Reader Pen or C-Pen.
Magnify text on the screen
Most software has a zoom feature that allows you to enlarge the print size on the screen. This works in internet browsers, some word processors, Adobe, and more applications. However, it does not enlarge error messages or menus. Try it, and you will see!
Press the CONTROL key and the PLUS SIGN (+) on your numeric keypad to enlarge the text. Press CONTROL and the MINUS SIGN (-) to decrease print size.
Similarly, the CONTROL key pressed while scrolling the mouse scroll wheel up or down will also alter the size of the text, larger or smaller, depending on the direction the wheel is turned.
On an Apple computer, hold down the Apple key and hit + or -. You can also double tap the trackpad, and a 2x zoom will be applied to that window.
These tools help you concentrate on a website’s content by featuring that content in an easy-to-read, clutter-free, scrollable display.
Evernote Webclipper is an add-on for Firefox and Chrome browsers; articles can be synced to the user’s Evernote account.
Freedom allows you to disable your internet connection for up to 8 hours to avoid distractions when you need to get down to work. If you need to get online, you need to reboot your system. There are versions for Apple OSX, Windows and Android.
Please keep in mind that spelling and grammar checkers may not be permitted during examinations.
Grammarly is a product designed to improve writing: contextual spelling, word similarities, a plagiarism checker, and more. You can also acquire an Add-in for MS Word or an extension for the Firefox web browser
Ginger is software that includes a grammar checker, sentence paraphrase, dictionary, text reader and a mobile fun keyboard
Franklin Talking Dictionaries (many found on Amazon or eBay now)
A large portion of AU courses now provide eTextbooks as the default method of delivery, however, here are some more resources for eText and audiobooks:
iStudiez is a cross-platform application that helps you organize tasks, assignments, and calendars. It syncs between your computer and mobile device, so you always stay up to date.
Toodledo is an app that allows you to set up tasks and prioritize them. Great for project management.
Rescue Time -web-based time tracking software to promote focus and productivity. Rescue time offers graphs and visual support. The Lite version is free.
Remember the Milk - Online task list. Syncs with Android phones, iPhone, iPod Touch, etc. Has quick input and reminders to do tasks (type “put books in bag Sunday 3 p.m.” and it will remind you to put your books in your bag on Sunday at 3 p.m.
Pocket Mod - Free, recyclable personal organizer and study guide, can be used in a variety of ways
Text Compactor and Rewordify - When text needs to be summarized, use this online tool. Great for cognitive rescaling.
Goblin Tools help break down tasks into manageable chunks and create to-do lists
Pomodoro Technique time management while doing tasks (eg. completing the readings for a course)
Zotero a free, open-source reference management tool that helps you collect, organize, annotate, cite, and share research sources, including PDFs, images, and web pages, and automatically generates bibliographies in various styles.
Writing software helps you increase the speed at which you type.
Handwriting recognition
Tablets are proving useful for their portability and connectivity. Handwriting recognition has been around for a long time, but tablets and smartphones have become more portable and affordable. Someone with hand motor challenges may find these blogs helpful.
For a PC, you will either need a Tablet PC or a stylus writing tool such as one from Wacom
Voice dictation software:
Voice dictation requires a few considerations before undertaking it. First, it requires patience to use it and correct mistakes, a clear voice pattern with a minimal accent or environmental noises. Second, voice recognition today analyses words in context and predicts the best fit.
There are a variety of options that have no cost, depending on the platform you want to dictate:
Dragon Naturally Speaking is the leader in voice dictation, and it runs on Windows. Unfortunately, they have discontinued support for their Mac and mobile product.
Word prediction
A window on the screen follows the typing cursor and tries to predict the word you are typing. The goal is to minimize keystrokes. Custom vocabulary lists can be imported, and some software can read the words aloud to help with reading comprehension.
Word prediction considerations include:
Is typing uncomfortable or slow?
Avoid being led by the prediction window suggestions
Mac - Word prediction. Suggests words after typing a few letters. Where to find it: Start typing and press either F5 or the Esc key in many applications.
OneLook Thesaurus - while not word prediction, OneLook is a great tool when you cannot think of the word but can describe the concept
OptiKey is an on-screen keyboard for Windows. On-screen keyboards assist people with motor and dexterity challenges. It is used with an eye-tracking device or pointing device for keyboard control, mouse control and speech.
There are various other less complicated hardware and software devices such as:
Word prediction and Voice Recognition can make typing less onerous.
Creating accessible math (production)
Desmos is as an accessible graphing tool for instructors and students with disabilities. Instructors and students who use assistive technology, such as a screen reader, can create, read and listen to graphs. Learn more about Desmos and accessibility
Developed by gh, LLC under a grant from the DIAGRAM Center
The original WAVES software is a small Windows application that provides accessible math input and output for blind and visually impaired users. The Web Accessible Virtual Electronic Scratchpad offers a streamlined interface for quick selection of mathematical symbols, voice output for math expressions, and flawless MathML conversion to and from user-inputted math. In early 2014, gh completed work on a major upgrade to WAVES, called JSWAVES (for JavaScript WAVES). The new JSWAVES update consists of almost entirely new code, duplicating most functions of WAVES, but in a form that doesn’t require anything to be installed on the user’s computer. Instead, JSWAVES can be run in a web browser directly from a website, so any computer with an Internet connection can have access to the tool.”
For more information or to request an assessment or reassessment for assistive technology, contact the AT team in the Accessibility Services department.
For more information or to request an assessment or reassessment for assistive technology, contact the AT team in the Accessibility Services department.
Updated July 18, 2025 by Digital & Web Operations (web_services@athabascau.ca)
